Message from Idaho Orff-Schulwerk Association President TERESA COLEBROOK What a tremendous 2014-15 year! Our 2014 October Mini-Conference was a huge success. It had a local theme "Live, Love, Laugh, Learn" and WE DID! A great time was had by all participants as they met and gleaned ideas from our "local treasures", the many talented and creative presenters who reside right here in the Treasure Valley. During breaks, there were also excellent musical performances from local groups such as Marimba Boise, Irish Dance Idaho, and Ballet Folklorico Mexico Lindo.

Our January conference was a combination of Chapter Share and Make-n-Take. BSU's Percussion Ensemble opened the conference by sharing some great music performed on boomwhackers. Then our past-president, Shirley VanPaepegham presented her master's thesis on "Shadow Play." With the use of a shadow screen, she shared the myriad ways she incorporates these multidimensional, creative activities within and without her music classroom. Our Make-n-Take consisted of making thunder tubes, miniature tubanos, hand drums, various shakers, sandblocks, etc. We were able, once again, to keep costs low for participants thanks to those on the board who donated their time and various materials. Thank you Orff Board! Our February conference was a blast! David Boggs presented SO many practical lessons that can easily be implemented in our classrooms. His session was engaging, motivational, and downright inspiring! He presented some fun ways to teach musical concepts through his original songs which can be found in his "Elements of Music" resource. We played guitars, danced, sang, and played instruments all day! Carl Orff would be so proud! :)

Once again, music educators took advantage of the opportunity to earn two (2) professional development credits to apply to their teaching credentials. At the same time, they gleaned new ideas and resources to ignite their teaching and spark the interest of their students! Be certain to renew your local membership so we can continue to offer these outstanding workshops here in Idaho!

Shout out to the board! I would like to thank the board members for all of their hard work, dedication, and commitment to our Idaho Orff Chapter. We are always looking for new ideas and personnel. If you are interested in serving on the board, please don't hesitate to contact me. Here's to another great year!

A LOOK AHEAD TO 2015-16 Boise State University is once again offering Orff Level One this summer. Paul Weller, Dr. Andy Goodman and Dr. Lori Conlon Khan will be teaching the rigorous two-week session. The dates are July 20th-31st. For more information, click here. Because of our active membership, (that's YOU), our Idaho Orff Chapter will provide at least one scholarship this summer. If you are interested in applying, click on the scholarship link here and download the application.

October 2015: Brian Burnett! Brian Burnett taught elemental music K-6 near Toledo, Ohio and is an instructor for AOSA teacher education courses. Brian is a contributor to both the “Share the Music” and “Spotlight on Music” textbook series. He chaired the 2009 AOSA Professional Development conference in Milwaukee with Chris Judah-Lauder and is the assistant to the National Conference Director. He has presented workshops on assessment and movement & music at AOSA conferences, state conferences, and local chapters across the nation.As you continue to grow in your teaching profession, remember to add these upcoming professional development events to your calendar: -October 1st and 2nd, 2015: Brian Burnett presents at the IOSA Professional Development conference.

-November 11-14, 2015: AOSA National Conference in San Diego, CA. More information is available at www.aosa.org. -Saturday January 23rd, 2016: Idaho Chapter Share and "Make-n-Take-n-Repair" workshop. -Saturday February 20th, 2016: IOSA Winter Conference

-Keep checking our Idaho Orff website for more upcoming information at www.idahoorff.org and LIKE us on Facebook: Friends of Idaho OrffEnjoy the rest of your school year!! Teresa Colebrook, IOSA President